Affect and eating behavior in obese adults with and without elevated depression symptoms

Date Published: 4/15

Abstract:

Objective—Although there is a modest relation between obesity and depression, mechanisms that contribute to this co-occurrence are unclear. This study examined mood and eating behavior among obese adults with and without elevated depression symptoms.

Discussion—Emotional eating and binge eating were more commonly reported by obese adults with elevated depression symptoms compared to those without, and may occur against a general backdrop of overall low mood. Intervention and prevention programs for obesity and/or depression should address disordered eating to prevent or minimize adverse health consequences.

1Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neuroscience, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA2Department of Biostatistics, Neuropsychiatric Research Institute, University of North Dakota School of Medicine, Fargo, North Dakota, USA3Department of Clinical Research, Neuropsychiatric Research Institute, and Department of Clinical Neuroscience, University of North Dakota School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Fargo, North Dakota, USA4Department of Psychiatry, University of Minnesota Medical School, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA